This round-up of guest-favorite complimentary and specialty dining restaurants highlights the standout menu items, options for couples and families, as well as pro tips on making dining reservations during your cruise and how to maximize your meals onboard with a specialty dining package.
Warning: The following cruise ship dining guide may cause some serious cravings.
Can't-Miss Complimentary Cruise Dining
Taste your way around the world without spending a single dollar at these complimentary cruise ship restaurants.
One of the best complimentary cruise ship restaurants you'll find, Windjammer is a staple across the Royal Caribbean fleet. This laid-back, family-friendly restaurant serves delicious global fare during breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll find a bit of everything here — flaky pastries, decadent desserts, crisp salads, made-to-order omelets and more, plus international stations that change daily. Everything at the Windjammer is completely free and reservations are not required, making this a top pick for families and guests who don't want to stick to a schedule.
Another hallmark cruise ship restaurant you'll find across the fleet is the Main Dining Room. No matter what ship you choose to sail on, the Main Dining Room is always a sprawling, multi-level space with beautiful decor and five-star service. A great option for an elevated date night or family dinner, it serves up courses that range from tender duck a l'orange to Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna and savory prime rib. Like Windjammer, everything here is included in your cruise. You can make a reservation through your Cruise Planner app.
After a day of soaking up the fun at the onboard water park, grab something satisfying from one of the fast-casual spots like Dog House, El Loco Fresh or Sorrento's Pizza. At Dog House, you can enjoy a variety of artisan hot dogs, each inspired by a culinary capital — the Big Apple and Coney Island dogs are big winners. At Sorrento's, bite into the perfect cheesy slice with pies baked to perfection — from plain cheese and fresh Margherita to the meat-loaded Carnivore and pineapple-sprinkled Caribbean Dream. And at El Loco Fresh, it's all about crazy-good eats from south of the border — think hearty burritos, melt-in-your-mouth quesadillas and the best tacos at sea.
Specialty Cruise Dining Standouts
Every Royal Caribbean ship hosts several specialty restaurants. Available at an additional charge, but included when you purchase a specialty dining package, these culinary concepts are all people-pleasers.
Debuted recently on Wonder of the Seas, The Mason Jar brings a taste of the south to your next cruise getaway. While this top-rated specialty restaurant serves dinner and late-night meals, brunch is its true claim to fame. Must-try dishes include crispy chicken and waffles, buttery johnnycakes, crab beignets and cinnamon rolls made to order. And then there's Hooked Seafood, a coastal-chic specialty restaurant inspired by the flavors of New England. Dig into succulent Maine lobster rolls, crispy golden Maryland crab cakes and raw bar staples during lunch or dinner.
A go-to for elevated evenings out, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine turns traditional dining on its head. This acclaimed specialty restaurant offers a truly magical experience, complete with an invisible-ink menu, cocktails referred to as "elixirs" and dishes as photogenic as they are unique. Then there's Chops Grille, a Royal Caribbean mainstay that's been serving up a sophisticated steakhouse experience for over a decade — their tender filet, Gruyère cheese tater tots and truffled French fries are legendary. Or you can treat your special someone to a taste of Tuscany at Giovanni's Table, Giovanni's Italian Kitchen or Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver. Each of these cruise ship dining options serves authentic, homestyle old-world classics.
Top Picks for Families
One of the best family-friendly specialty restaurants onboard is Izumi. On some ships, diners are invited to gather around a hibachi table to watch as a master chef preps food right before their eyes. Plus, there's a kid's menu even the pickiest eaters will love. For something a little more casual — but just as fun — try Playmakers Bar & Arcade. Kids can chow down on tasty finger foods while having a blast playing the restaurant's arcade games. Meanwhile, parents can sip ice-cold brews while watching their home team live on dozens of screens. And at Fish & Ships, families can fuel up in between adventures onboard with crispy battered cod and hand-cut fries just steps from the pool.
Cruise Ship Dining Tips
Now that you're more familiar with some of the best cruise ship restaurants available when you sail with Royal Caribbean, maximize your experience with these tips:
· Purchase a specialty dining package. It'll give you discounted access to the ship's specialty restaurants, offering more value than going a la carte.
· If you plan to drink, purchase a specialty beverage package to enjoy unlimited beverages, including coffee, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks and more.
· Some specialty restaurants require reservations. Get dressed up for date night, and reserve a table ahead of time via the Cruise Planner app or at the restaurant onboard the cruise ship.